A prominent theory argues that DA cells generate predictive signals for impending reward and/or they signal when reinforcement contingencies change. It is argued here that by taking a more dynamic and broad systems view of DA?s contribution to cognition, we can better understand the significance of DA function; we need to consider not only how DA regulates plasticity in efferent structures, but also how DA neurons themselves are regulated by experience. Studies from the last grant period provide compelling evidence that DA function is context-dependent. The present proposal includes four Specific Aims that will allow us to test the hypothesis that context regulation of DA neuronal signaling of reward information is derived from a combination of inputs from existing memory and decision making systems of the prefrontal cortex (PFC) and context evaluation by hippocampus (HPC). PFC and HPC are thought to impact the timing of the DA reward signal relative to salient cues by experience-dependent gating of sensory information to DA neurons via the tegmentum. This work incorporates a combination of 1) high density single unit recording so that we can understand (relative to DA signals) the neural codes within the PFC, HPC, and two tegmental areas, the pedunculopontine nucleus (PPTg) and the lateral dorsal tegmental nucleus (LDTg), 2) reversible inactivation of brain structures to test for functional connectivity between regions of interest, and 3) behavioral genetic analysis to identify the role of the NMDA system in DA regulation.
Aim 1 will determine the nature of neural representation in structures that regulate DA activity: PPTg, LDTg, HPC and PFC.
Aim 2 will determine whether the context-sensitivity of DA neurons in the ventral tegmental area (VTA) and the substantia nigra (SNc) is due to PPTg, LDT, HPC, or PFC input.
Aim 3 will determine whether context-sensitivity of PPTg, LDTg and PFC neural representations is ultimately derived from HPC or PFC.
Aim 4 will test whether it is the glutamate (NMDA) component of the afferent input that regulates burst firing by DA cells by testing these cellular properties in freely behaving mice that are selectively missing NR1 receptors on DA cells. Broad Significance: Understanding how context information regulates signaling by DA neurons is of fundamental importance for therapeutic development in cases of drug relapse, Parkinson?s disease, and normal age associated decline in learning.

Agency
National Institute of Health (NIH)
Institute
National Institute of Mental Health (NIMH)
Type
High Priority, Short Term Project Award (R56)
Project #
2R56MH058755-10A1
Application #
7652879
Study Section
Neurobiology of Learning and Memory Study Section (LAM)
Program Officer
Osborn, Bettina D
Project Start
1998-08-01
Project End
2009-04-14
Budget Start
2008-08-01
Budget End
2009-04-14
Support Year
10
Fiscal Year
2008
Total Cost
$366,295
Indirect Cost
Name
University of Washington
Department
Psychology
Type
Schools of Arts and Sciences
DUNS #
605799469
City
Seattle
State
WA
Country
United States
Zip Code
98195
Fobbs, Wambura C; Mizumori, Sheri J Y (2017) A framework for understanding and advancing intertemporal choice research using rodent models. Neurobiol Learn Mem 139:89-97
Baker, Phillip M; Mizumori, Sheri J Y (2017) Control of behavioral flexibility by the lateral habenula. Pharmacol Biochem Behav 162:62-68
Redila, Van; Kinzel, Chantelle; Jo, Yong Sang et al. (2015) A role for the lateral dorsal tegmentum in memory and decision neural circuitry. Neurobiol Learn Mem 117:93-108
Fobbs, Wambura C; Mizumori, Sheri J Y (2014) Cost-benefit decision circuitry: proposed modulatory role for acetylcholine. Prog Mol Biol Transl Sci 122:233-61
Jo, Yong Sang; Lee, Jane; Mizumori, Sheri J Y (2013) Effects of prefrontal cortical inactivation on neural activity in the ventral tegmental area. J Neurosci 33:8159-71
Mizumori, Sheri J Y; Jo, Yong Sang (2013) Homeostatic regulation of memory systems and adaptive decisions. Hippocampus 23:1103-24
Smith, David M; Barredo, Jennifer; Mizumori, Sheri J Y (2012) Complimentary roles of the hippocampus and retrosplenial cortex in behavioral context discrimination. Hippocampus 22:1121-33
Penner, Marsha R; Mizumori, Sheri J Y (2012) Neural systems analysis of decision making during goal-directed navigation. Prog Neurobiol 96:96-135
Gill, Patrick R; Mizumori, Sheri J Y; Smith, David M (2011) Hippocampal episode fields develop with learning. Hippocampus 21:1240-9
Norton, Alix B W; Jo, Yong Sang; Clark, Emily W et al. (2011) Independent neural coding of reward and movement by pedunculopontine tegmental nucleus neurons in freely navigating rats. Eur J Neurosci 33:1885-96

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